Pressure-Sensitive Hair Grooming Device

ABSTRACT

A novel device for hair grooming comprises a flexible guide band and a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The backside of the guide band may include a coating that prevents adhesion with the PSA to allow the device to be rolled up without the need for a liner. The device is configured to reversibly adhere to the hair and skin of a user to act as a guide for hair trimming or grooming. The device can be applied, removed, and reapplied without discomfort or damage to the skin or hair. The guide band is preferably made of silicone rubber and the PSA is preferably a pressure sensitive silicone or acrylic gel. The device may take on a variety of shapes and patterns. In one embodiment, an intermediary bonding layer positioned between the guide band and the PSA allows for the use of a broader range of guide band materials.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices that aid in hair grooming orstyling.

BACKGROUND

Currently many men and women are faced with hair growth on the back oftheir neck or other areas that are difficult to tend to due to lack of aline of sight or inability to trim the hair in an accurate manner.Mirrors are often used to help ensure accurate trimming, but usingmirrors is awkward and challenging for most users and results infrequent mistakes. Most people that are concerned with this type ofgrooming have someone assist them, which is inconvenient and oftenimpossible. The difficulties associated with self-grooming leads manypeople to either go ungroomed or visit the hair salon for a trim orcleanup treatment in-between hair cuts, which is an undesirable cost.Moreover, users may desire to not only trim overgrown regions, butreliably trim or style their hair by themselves. Thus there is a need inthe art for a device that allows a user to self-groom or style hair inan accurate and convenient manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of the pressure-sensitive hair-groomingdevice.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the pressure-sensitive hair-groomingdevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the pressure-sensitive hair-groomingdevice with non-stick coating on the backside of the guide band.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for haircut maintenance.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for curved haircutmaintenance.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for stylizedhaircutting.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for body hair trimming.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the pressure-sensitive hair-groomingdevice, with negative stencil, and its use as a guideline for creativehaircutting.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device, with reverse stencil, and its use as a guidelinefor creative haircutting.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and the method of rolling it up for packaging,handling, or storage purposes.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of thepressure-sensitive hair-grooming device with intermediary layer forPSA/guide band bonding.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective side view of a second alternateembodiment of the pressure-sensitive hair-grooming device withintermediary bonding layer and non-stick guide band coating.

SUMMARY

A novel device for hair grooming comprises a flexible guide band and apressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The backside of the guide bandincludes a coating that prevents adhesion with the PSA to allow thedevice to be rolled up without the need for a liner. The PSA is bondedto the front side of the guide band, has substantially the same shape asthe guide band, and substantially covers the guide band's area. Thedevice is configured to reversibly adhere to the hair and skin of a uservia the PSA, and act as a guide for trimming, cutting or other grooming.At the same time, the hair beneath the device is protected duringgrooming. The device can be applied, removed, and reapplied withoutdiscomfort or damage to the skin or hair. The guide band is preferablymade of silicone rubber and the PSA is preferably a pressure sensitivesilicone or acrylic gel. The device may take on a variety of shapes andmay have an opening within its perimeter in the shape of a pattern thatis to be transferred to the user's hair or to otherwise facilitategrooming. In one embodiment, an intermediary bonding layer is positionedbetween the guide band and the PSA to allow for the use of a broaderrange of guide band materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of the pressure sensitive hair-groomingdevice. This side of the device will also be referred to as the “frontside” as it is the side that makes contact with the user's hair/body.For visual purposes, a dimension of length 111 and a dimension of width112 (as well as a dimension of thickness/height 213 as shown in FIG. 2)are provided alongside the device 110 to aid in the foregoingdescription. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a length 111 of18 inches, width 112 of 0.9 inches, and thickness of 0.125 inches.However, any relative or absolute dimensions provided herein should notbe viewed as limiting in nature, as the device's actual dimensions maybe variable based on product type and application. Thepressure-sensitive hair-grooming device 110 comprises a guide band 120and pressure-sensitive adhesive (i.e. “PSA”) 115. These two componentsare bonded via known fabrication methods to form a composite materialideal for addressing personal trimming and styling needs. In a preferredembodiment, both components are composed of silicone. The guide band 120is a 100% silicone rubber strip, or similar two-part silicone composite.It provides a semi-rigid base for the PSA 115 that is thick enough toserve as a guideline during trimming/styling applications. A portion ofits bottom surface (that surface which faces the viewer in FIG. 1) makescontact with the PSA 115. The PSA is a clear, durable, two-part siliconegel with an aggressive surface tack. Alternatively, the PSA may be acomparable gel other than silicone, such as acrylic gel.

As shown, the shape of the PSA 115 is substantially the same as theshape of the guide band 120, in order to optimize adhesion of the deviceto the hair/skin and provide a uniform gap between the guide band andthe user's hair/skin. Otherwise, if the shape of the PSA 115 was not thesame as the guide band 120, then certain portions of the guide bandperimeter would be more or less adhered, and thus closer or farther awayfrom the hair/skin, respectively, than other portions of the guide bandperimeter. Similarly, the PSA 115 substantially covers the area of theguide band 120 in order to keep the guide band 120 uniformly adhered andpositioned with respect to the user's hair or body. Otherwise, theportions of the guide band 120 that have less PSA 115 than otherportions, will tend to peel or curl upward away from the skin/hairrelative to the guide band portions have more PSA 115. For example, asshown in FIG. 1, the ends of the guide band 120 have an area that doesnot have the PSA 115 to allow for convenient user handling of thedevice. Alternatively, for greater effectiveness in using the device,the PSA 115 can extend all the way to one or more edges of the guideband 120. In one embodiment, the PSA 115 can be fully coextensive with,and fully covering, the guide band 120.

The PSA 115 is applied, and bonded to, the bottom surface of the guideband 120. The bonding can be achieved via a physical bond, or a strongerchemical bond. For physical bonding, the raw liquid form of the PSApolymer may first be mixed, then simultaneously cured and bonded withthe solid-state silicone rubber guide band 120. The liquid PSA 115 maybe applied to a laser-scored section of the silicone guide band, withthe resulting combination laser-cut to the desired dimensions/shapes.However, cutting techniques other than laser cutting (e.g. mechanicalcutting) may also be used. For chemical bonding of the PSA and the guideband, the liquid silicone for the guide band 120 is placed in a moldalong with the two-part liquid silicone (the PSA 115) so that the twocomponents cure simultaneously. When cured together, the guide band andPSA form chemical bonds and become permanently bonded to each other.However, either bonding type is acceptable because strong non-chemical,physical bonds are formed between silicone materials. Such physicalbonds are sufficiently strong to withstand normal use of the device.Regardless of the two components' states, they are bonded via thepreceding manufacturing techniques, or via comparable methods. Theresult is a layer of pressure-sensitive material, bonded to the bottomportion of the guide band 120, with adhesive properties that are ideallysuited for usage on human skin and hair. Additionally, these componentsare inert and suitable for use on human hair and skin. These componentsalso possess a high degree of environmental stability, and canexperience a wide range of physical manipulation or temperature changeswithout warming or failure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the pressure-sensitive hair-groomingdevice. A dimension of length 211 and a dimension of height 213 placedalongside the device 210 may be used for descriptive purposes, asmentioned above. The height 213 of the device includes the thicknessesof both the PSA 215 and the guide band 220. Said components make contactvia a bond 217, shown as a line perpendicular to the height 213 of thedevice 210. The actual thickness of said bond may be negligible,depending on manufacturing methods. Moreover, the bond 217 can be viewedmore as a theoretical plane of contact between the PSA 215 and the guideband 220, as the preferred embodiment provides a method of uniting thetwo materials without the need for a dedicated bonding agent. Asdescribed in FIG. 1, the PSA 215 makes contact with the guide band 220on a portion of the band's bottom surface. During user applications, theexposed surface of the PSA 215 is adhered to the user's skin or hair.The device is highly suited for usage in this capacity, as subsequentfigures will show in more detail.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the pressure-sensitive hair-groomingdevice with non-stick coating on the backside of the guide band. Thisside of the device will also be referred to as the “backside” as it isopposite from the side that makes contact with the user's hair/body(i.e. the side that is visible when the device is in place). Conversely,the PSA is attached to the front side of the guide band. A dimension oflength 311 and a dimension of width 312 are provided for visualreference, and show the general proportions of the device 310 in anexemplary embodiment. This figure shows the top surface of the device310—that surface which faces away from a user during trimmingapplications. Consequently, only the guide band 320 is visible in thisview. Covering the entire surface shown (and only this surface of theguide band 320), and shown with small, intersecting pairs of dottedlines, is a non-stick coating 321. This coating is applied to thisportion of the guide band 320 in order to substantially lower itssurface energy (a measure of a material's surface tack), to a level farbelow that needed to create adhesion with the PSA 315. The coating 321may be comprised of a thin layer of polyolefin or polyester, which canbe applied in liquid, spray, or film form as known in the art. In thisFigure, the perimeter of the PSA is shown with dotted lines, since itlies on the opposite side, or bottom surface of the guide band 320. Thedisparity in surface energy between the PSA and the backside of theguide band allows the two surfaces to make contact without needlesslycreating a bond. Because of this feature, the device 310 can besubstantially minimized in size for a plethora of situations, by rollingit up into a cylindrical shape (see FIG. 10). Prior to such rolling, athin paper or plastic liner can be applied to the PSA side of the guideband (front side of guide band), which is removed by the user prior touse. The manufacturing methods of laser cutting and mold making used tocut or shape the device 310 are highly accurate in creating straightedges/angles along the perimeter of the guide band 320. The siliconecomposition of the device 310 makes it very flexible. Thus, it is anideal tool for symmetrical hair trimming and styling, offering aversatile yet consistent guideline.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for hair maintenance(i.e. trimming or cutting). A user 430 may apply the device 410 to anydesired location on their head region 435 or body region 440. Whileapplications to other parts of the body are possible, a preferredapplication of the present invention is for the trimming of hair on thehead. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary use of the present device for hairmaintenance in which the user 430, during a period of hair growthbetween haircuts, requires trimming of stray hairs that have grown to anundesirable length. Content with the remaining portions of his/her hair,the user may prefer a cost-effective means of self-maintenance asopposed to a new haircut. The pressure-sensitive hair-grooming device410 offers this capability, which provides a novel capability that isadvantageous to conventional alternatives. In a preferred embodiment,the device 410 is manufactured in the shape of a rectangular strip.However, as shown in FIG. 9, the device can take on various shapes tofacilitate more specialized hair grooming and styling. The deviceincludes a guide band 420 with pressure-sensitive adhesive, i.e. PSA415. As previously mentioned, the PSA 415 is bonded to a portion of theguide band 420's bottom surface. The top surface, or “backside” of theguide band 420 is covered with the non-stick coating 421. The coating421 may be comprised of a thin layer of polyolefin or polyester, whichcan be applied in liquid, spray, or film form as known in the art. Asnoted above, the shape of the PSA 415 is substantially the same as theshape of the guide band 420, in order to optimize adhesion of the deviceto the hair/skin and provide a uniform gap between the guide band andthe user's hair/skin. Otherwise, if the shape of the PSA 415 was not thesame as the guide band 420, then certain portions of the guide bandperimeter would be more or less adhered, and thus closer or farther awayfrom the neck, respectively, than other portions of the guide bandperimeter and thus lead to inconsistent. This holds true for any guideband shape.

To use the device 410 in the scenario described above, the user 430temporarily adheres the device to an area of skin and/or hair adjacentto the aforementioned unwanted hairs, via the PSA 415. As shown, thedevice has been placed around the back of the neck and continues aroundto the sides of the neck, directly beneath the user's ears 437. Theversatile, pliable device 410 conforms to any location on the user'sbody, regardless of curvature, amount of hair, skin characteristics,etc. The PSA 415 possesses adhesive qualities that allow it to form areversible yet reliable bond with both the skin and hair in contact withit. Importantly, the bonding of the PSA 415 to the skin and hair isstrong enough to hold the device reliably in place yet not so strong asto cause pain or hair removal upon removal. As well, the amount of forcerequired to create this bond is negligible, and merely wrapping thedevice around one's neck is enough to create said bond, making it quickand easy to use. Once the device is in place, a user is free to dedicateboth hands to the activity of hair cutting/trimming. Moreover, the userno longer needs the assistance of another person, or the use of a mirrorto provide a visual guide. A powered trimming apparatus 451 (i.e.“clipper”) is likely the ideal tool for use with the device 410,although scissors or other cutting tools may be utilized as desired.Motion arrow 400 indicates the cutting motion of the trimming apparatus451 in a straight line along the guide band 420 across the back of theneck. Stray or unwanted hairs below the edge of the guide band 420 arethereby cut away during trimming. At the same time, the wanted hair isprotected because it is covered by the device 410. Approaching thecontours of the neck, the line of trimming can continue around to thesides of the user's face along the perimeter of the device 410. Owing tothe adhesive force of the PSA 415, the device 410 remains in place toallow a reliable cutting edge until removed or repositioned. Becauseremoval of the device 410 from the user's skin/hair is effortless andpainless, the device can be repeatedly and easily repositioned withoutdiscomfort. Due to the durability of the silicone in the guide band 420and PSA 415, the device is immune to reasonable short-term wear, and maybe rinse-able and reusable for a large number of uses. As described, thedevice 410 provides an effective and versatile means of self-trimming byproviding a physical guide while protecting the area of hair beneath thedevice that is to remain unchanged.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for curved haircutmaintenance. Similar to the scenario depicted in FIG. 4, this figureillustrates an example of haircut maintenance in which the user 530,desires trimming of stray hairs that have grown to an undesirablelength. Instead of cutting along a path that is constrained to astraight line (single plane), for stylistic or maintenance-relatedpurposes, the user 530 may desire to cut a curved line, traveling aroundthe neck and terminating higher on the head region 535, adjacent to theears 537. The pressure-sensitive hair grooming device 510, with guideband 520 and PSA 515, can be wrapped around the area shown with minimalpressure, bonding it temporarily to the user's hair (and skin, ifapplicable). The non-stick coating 521 found on the top surface, or“backside” of the guide band 520, prevents any unwanted adhesion betweenthe guide band and the PSA 515 during usage. Motion arrow 505 indicatesthe curved cutting path along the edge of the device 510 using a poweredtrimming apparatus 551. The cutting path can include a straight pathalong the back of the neck, a forward path towards the side of the neck,and an upward path towards and/or past the rear of the ears 537. Theguide band 520 prevents any cutting beyond its edge, thus allowingcurved haircut maintenance with the consistency and symmetry afforded bya guideline. Any manner of cutting, shaving, and/or trimming can beaccomplished, without assistance from another person. The device 510conforms to every contour of the user's head, regardless of shape orirregularities. Furthermore the adhesive qualities of the PSA 515 makeit immune to the unpredictable and varied nature of human hair. Theburdens of adhesion are wholly transferred to the PSA 515,simultaneously making adhesion highly consistent, and removal pain-free.Following an initial usage, the device 510 can be continuously reused.The device can be rinsed with water, allowed to air dry for a short timeand then stored for future use. The device may last up to a year forexample.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for stylized haircutting. In this case, the user 630 may desire to shave one side oftheir head, or create a “mohawk” hairstyle. The device 610 comprisingguide band 620 with non-stick coating 621 and PSA 615 can be easilyadhered to any portion of skin or hair, large or small, on the headregion 635 of the user 630. As discussed above, the non-stick coating621 may be comprised of a thin layer of polyolefin or polyester, whichcan be applied in liquid, spray, or film form as known in the art. Theuser can then self-cut their own hair in straight angles or curved lineswithout having to tend to the device 610 in the process, as described inprevious figures. In an example of stylized hair cutting, the user 630wraps the device 610 on top of the head 635 from the forehead to theback of the head, with its terminal edges lying on the forehead and backof the head. Using a powered trimming apparatus 651, the user may thentrim away large portions of exposed hair on one or both sides of thedevice 610, trimming right up to the edge of its guide band 620 asindicated by motion arrow 601. Naturally, the hair beneath the device610 is protected from the clipper/cutting. Thus, the device 610 has thedual advantage of serving as a guide for grooming while at the same timeprotecting the hair that the user does not want to modify. As inprevious scenarios, the device 610 can be removed and repositioned uponthe head region 635 as desired, for continued grooming and a completetrimming/styling experience. Removal is pain-free via the safe,temporary bond created with the user's hair.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and its use as a guideline for body hair cutting.This figure focuses on the frontal portion of the user's body region740. The device 710 comprising guide band 720 with non-stick coating 721and PSA 715 can be placed along the chest of the user 730 with minimalforce. Varying hair to skin ratios are of no consequence to theversatile PSA 715 and its adhesive properties, making the device highlysuited for use anywhere on the body. Using a powered trimming apparatus751, the user may trim body hair right up to the edge of thepressure-sensitive hair-grooming device 710. Motion arrow 702 indicatesthis cutting path along the length 711 of the device 710. A user maycontinue to trim alongside the width 712 of the device 710 as needed, asthe entire perimeter edge of the device provides the same guideline forsymmetrical cutting. As in previous usage scenarios, the device 710 iseasily removable and repositionable around the body, without any pain orinjury. Use of the device 710 can thus be easily extended to thetrimming, cutting, or shaving of underarm regions, pubic regions, etc.In any given scenario, the device conforms to the body's contour, due toits flexibility. As the user readjusts positions their body for comfortor to achieve more optimal cutting, the device remains in place.

As shown and described above, the device of the present invention has arectangular shape like that of a strap or band. However, the device cantake on other shapes for specialized grooming or styling applications.FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the pressure-sensitive hair- groomingdevice in a stencil form having a star pattern within its perimeter forcreative hair- cutting and pattern creation. The device 810 can be cutinto any shape, with varying proportions. Exemplary shapes may include acircle, triangle, star, jagged line, lighting bolt, and so forth. Theresult is the ability to provide a multitude of shapes or patterns thatcan be transferred to the user's hair or otherwise used as a groomingguide. As with the rectangular embodiment, the perimeter edges (innerand outer perimeter edges) of the guide band 820 provide a stable andaccurate guide for the desired trimming, cutting or grooming that can beapplied, removed and reapplied without pain or injury. Similarly, aswith the rectangular embodiment, the shape of the PSA 815 substantiallymirrors the shape of the guide band 820. Also, the non-stick coating 821still covers the entire top surface, or “backside” of the guide band820. FIG. 8 shows an example of a stencil with creative interior shapes861, e.g. star shaped patterns, that form a space 860 through the bodyof the device 810 (i.e. through guide band 820 and PSA 815) on theinterior of its perimeter. The device, with guide band 820 and PSA 815can be adhered to hair and skin on the head region 835 of the user 830as in previous figures. The PSA 815 forms a safe, temporary bond that iscontinuously repositionable, without pain. With a powered trimmingapparatus 851, the user 830 may trim exposed hair lying inside thespaces 860 formed by the creative interior shapes 861, leaving hairoutside the space untouched. The perimeter edges of these spaces providea guideline as in previous scenarios. This provides a symmetrical cutwithin the target areas provided by the creative interior shapes 861.The user 830 may reposition the device 810 around the head region 835 asneeded, to create a finished design that satisfies the creative groomingneeds. The device 810 can be removed, rinsed, and stored for laterusage.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective top view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device in a customized shape or pattern. In contrast tothe stencil embodiment of FIG. 8, this could be called a “reversestencil” whereby the user cuts or trims around the perimeter of thedevice in order to transfer the pattern to their hair or otherwise beused as a guideline for creative hair cutting. As shown in FIG. 9, thedevice can take on various shapes to facilitate more specialized hairgrooming and styling. Using conventional cutting techniques, variousshapes can be formed from the guide band material (i.e. siliconerubber). In this scenario, the perimeter of the guide band 920 isdefined by the star shape or pattern 963. In this embodiment astar-shaped device is shown, but as previously mentioned, an unlimitednumber of shapes/stencils and lines are possible. As with therectangular embodiment of the device, the perimeter edges of the guideband 920 provide a stable and accurate guide for the desired trimming,cutting or grooming that can be applied, removed and reapplied withoutpain or injury. As with prior embodiments, and regardless of the shapeof the device, the shape of the PSA 915 substantially mirrors the shapeof the guide band 920. The non-stick coating 921 covers the top surface,or “backside” of the guide band 920 as before. The user 930 may placethe device 910 anywhere on their head region 935 via the bond created bythe PSA 915, then proceed to cut uncovered portions of hair thatsurround it with a powered trimming apparatus 951. Using the perimeterof the guide band 920 as a guideline, the user can trim away hair, up toand along the edge of the guide band. The user can reposition the device910 during this process as needed to complete his/her design, withpain-free removal. The resulting areas of longer hair will possess theshape dictated by the reverse stencil. Even with irregular shapes,pointy edges, etc., the device will always readily conform to anyportion of the user's body and form a reliable, safe, yet temporary bondwith hair and skin. Because of its durable material composition, thedevice can be cleaned as needed and stored for future use.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the pressure-sensitivehair-grooming device and the method of rolling it up for packaging,handling, or storage purposes. The device 1010 with PSA 1015, guide band1020, and non-stick coating 1021, is shown in a partially rolled state.Motion arrows 1003 indicate the continuous rolling motion whereby thebackside of the guide band 1020 makes contact with the PSA 1015 as thedevice 1010 is rolled up. The device can be fully rolled up, tightly orloosely, into a cylindrical shape, substantially reducing its size forpackaging, handling, storage, etc. Since the backside of the guide band1020 possesses the non-stick coating 1021, there is no risk ofaccidental adhesion between the guide band and the PSA 1015 using thisrolling method. Furthermore, a fully rolled device 1010 can becarried/transported by hand, without the worry of unwanted adhesion toskin/hair. A thin removable paper or plastic liner can be applied to thefront side of guide band (over the PSA 1015) which would be removed bythe user prior to use of the device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an alternate embodiment of thepressure-sensitive hair-grooming device with an intermediary layer (i.e.bonding agent) for bonding of the PSA to the guide band. A dimension oflength 1111 and a dimension of height 1113 placed alongside the device1110 may be used for descriptive purposes, as in the previousembodiment. The device 1110 comprises three layers, including a PSA1115, a guide band 1120, and an intermediary bonding layer 1118. By wayof example, the bonding layer may be a rubber based adhesive, solventrubber adhesive, hot-melt rubber adhesive, modified acrylic adhesive, orother suitable adhesive agent. Length 1111 corresponds to the length ofthe guide band 1120 and height 1113 corresponds to the total thicknessof all three layers. The intermediary bonding layer 1118 forms apermanent chemical bond with the PSA 1115 and the guide band 1120. Itslength and width dimensions correspond to those of the PSA 1115. Theadhesive area shown is exemplary, and can take on other dimensionsrelative to the guide band 1120, so long as functionality/ergonomics arenot impaired. The bonding agent is chosen from among the following:rubber based adhesive, solvent rubber adhesive, hot-melt rubberadhesive, and modified acrylic adhesive. The intermediary bonding layer1118 can be treated mechanically, by corona or plasma treatment, orchemically to achieve a Very High Performance Bond, or VHPB. This methodof PSA/guide band bonding allows for the utilization of a guide band1120 with a significantly lower surface energy than is needed to adhereto the PSA 1115. Thus, no portion of the guide band 1120 will stick tothe PSA 1115. This allows the device to be rolled up as needed (see FIG.10), e.g. for packaging, handling, storage, etc. This embodiment allowsfor a rubber, foam rubber, or similar low surface energy material to beused in the composition of the guide band 1120.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective side view of a second alternateembodiment of the pressure-sensitive hair-grooming device withintermediary bonding layer and non-stick guide band coating. As in theprevious embodiment, the device 1210 comprises three layers—a PSA 1215,a guide band 1220, and an intermediary bonding layer 1218. Theintermediary bonding layer 1218 forms a permanent chemical bond with thePSA 1215 and the guide band 1220. Additionally, the backside of theguide band 1220 has a non-stick coating 1221, giving this portion of theguide band a substantially lower surface energy. Said coating preventsadhesion between this portion of the guide band 1220 and the PSA 1215,allowing the device 1210 to be rolled up as needed (see FIG. 10). Thisembodiment allows for either a low surface energy material or a highsurface energy material to be used in the composition of the guide band1220. Even if the latter option is the preferred material, for instance,to create an even stronger bond between the front side of the guide band1220 and the intermediary bonding layer 1218, regular handling of thedevice 1210 is unaffected due to the presence of the non-stick coating1221.

While there have been described herein what are considered to bepreferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, othermodifications of the invention shall be apparent to those skilled in theart from the teachings herein. It is noted that the embodimentsdisclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that awide range of variations, modifications, changes, substitutions arecontemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, somefeatures of the present invention may be employed without acorresponding use of other features. Many such variations andmodifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the artbased upon a review of the foregoing description of preferredembodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of theinvention.

1. A device for hair grooming comprising: a flexible guide band, theguide band having a front side, a backside, a length, a width, athickness, and a perimeter edge along the surface of the front side; apressure sensitive adhesive bonded to the front side of the guide bandand occupying the majority of the surface area the area of the frontside of the guide band; a coating on the backside of the guide band,said coating preventing the adhering of the guide band to the pressuresensitive adhesive; wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive is notpresent on the perimeter edge of the guide band; wherein the device isconfigured to releasably adhere to the hair and skin of a user via thepressure sensitive adhesive; and wherein the shape of the pressuresensitive adhesive is substantially the same as the shape of the guideband.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the guide band is composed of arubber material such as silicone rubber.
 3. The device of claim 1wherein the coating is composed of polyolefin, polyester, or acombination thereof.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the pressuresensitive adhesive is one of a pressure sensitive silicone gel, pressuresensitive acrylic gel, and a combination thereof.
 5. The device of claim1 wherein the guide band is rectangular and has a length to width ratioin the range of 19 to
 21. 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the devicehas a thickness within the range of 0.1 to 0.15 inches.
 7. (canceled) 8.The device of claim 1 wherein the shape of the guide band is chosen fromthe group consisting of circle, rectangle, triangle, star, jagged line,lightning bolt, and a combination thereof.
 9. A device for hair groomingcomprising: a flexible guide band, the guide band having a front side, abackside, and a perimeter edge along the surface of the front side; apressure sensitive adhesive configured to releasably adhere the deviceto hair and skin; a bonding agent positioned between the guide band andthe pressure sensitive adhesive, wherein the bonding agent forms a bondwith the guide band and the pressure sensitive adhesive; a coating onthe backside of the guide band, said coating preventing the adhering ofthe guide band to the pressure sensitive adhesive; an opening throughthe guide band and pressure sensitive adhesive, the opening defined byan inner perimeter that serves as a grooming guide; wherein the pressuresensitive adhesive occupies the majority of the surface area the area ofthe front side of the guide band; wherein the pressure sensitiveadhesive is not present on the perimeter edge of the guide band; andwherein the shape of the pressure sensitive adhesive is substantiallythe same as the shape of the guide band.
 10. The device of claim 9wherein the guide band is composed of a low surface energy material thatdoes not adhere to the pressure sensitive adhesive.
 11. The device ofclaim 9 wherein the guide band is composed of rubber or foam rubber. 12.The device of claim 9 wherein the coating is composed of polyolefin,polyester, or a combination thereof.
 13. The device of claim 9 whereinthe pressure sensitive adhesive is one of pressure sensitive siliconegel, pressure sensitive acrylic gel, and a combination thereof.
 14. Thedevice of claim 9 wherein the opening has a shape chosen from the groupconsisting of circle, rectangle, triangle, star, jagged line, lightningbolt, and a combination thereof.
 15. The device of claim 9 wherein thedevice has a thickness within the range of 0.1 to 0.15 inches.
 16. Adevice for hair grooming comprising: a flexible guide band, the guideband having a front side, a backside, a length, a width, a thickness,and a perimeter edge along the surface of the front side; a pressuresensitive adhesive configured to releasably adhere the device to hairand skin; a bonding agent positioned between the guide hand and thepressure sensitive adhesive, wherein the bonding agent forms a bond withthe guide band and the pressure sensitive adhesive; a coating on thebackside of the guide band, said coating preventing the adhering of theguide band to the pressure sensitive adhesive; wherein the pressuresensitive adhesive is not present on the perimeter edge of the guideband; wherein the device is configured to reversibly adhere to the hairand skin of a user via the pressure sensitive adhesive; and wherein theshape of the pressure sensitive adhesive is substantially the same asthe shape of the guide band.
 17. The device of claim 16 wherein theguide band is composed of a rubber material such as silicone rubber. 18.The device of claim 16 wherein the coating is composed of polyolefin,polyester, or a combination thereof.
 19. The device of claim 16 whereinthe pressure sensitive adhesive is one of pressure sensitive siliconegel, pressure sensitive acrylic gel, and a combination thereof.
 20. Thedevice of claim 16 wherein the bonding agent is chosen from among thefollowing: rubber based adhesive, solvent rubber adhesive, hot-meltrubber adhesive, and modified acrylic adhesive.
 21. The device of claim16 wherein the guide band is rectangular and has a length to width ratioin the range of 19 to
 21. 22. The device of claim 16 wherein the devicehas a thickness within the range of 0.1 to 0.15 inches.
 23. The deviceof claim 16 wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive occupies themajority of the surface area of the front side of the guide band. 24.The device of claim 16 wherein the shape of the guide band is chosenfrom the group consisting of circle, rectangle, triangle, star, jaggedline, lightning bolt, and a combination thereof.